Preventing elder abuse with quality aged care

On World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, a Charles Sturt University (CSU) academic is renewing her support for more registered nurses in NSW aged care homes to deliver a high standard of care to elderly residents.

Associate Professor Maree Bernoth from the University's School of Nursing, Midwifery and Indigenous Health said, "Only last month the NSW government voted against a requirement that a registered nurse be on duty around the clock in high care facilities.

"The rationale for the vote was that rural and remote aged care facilities would not be able to attract registered nurses," Professor Bernoth said.

"However, a registered nurses' level of skill is essential to provide quality care for frail older people with complex and multiple chronic conditions, for residents with dementia and residents requiring palliative care and pain management.

"As a key educator of registered nurses in NSW, Charles Sturt University is undertaking a number of initiatives to improve support and care for our older community members especially those living in rural and regional areas."

These include:

A Transition to Practice Program for newly graduated nurses entering the workforce, which is currently being evaluated by residential aged care facilities in Nambucca Heads, Dubbo and Deniliquin.